This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not
indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the
original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1829. Not
illustrated. Excerpt: ... PERSECUTED FAMILY. CHAPTER I. "There
stands the messenger of truth: there stands The legate of the skies
His theme divine, His office sacred, his credentials clear. In
doctrine uncorrupt; in language plain, And plain in manner; decent,
solemn, chaste And natural in gesture; much impressed Himself, as
conscious of his awful charge, And anxious mainly that the flock he
feeds May feel it too; affectionate in look, And tender in address,
as well becomes A messenger of grace to guilty men." Cowper. The
Rev. Mr. James Bruce, the head of that family whose lives we are
briefly to record, was the youngest son of a very respectable
gentleman in the upper district of Lanarkshire. In his boyhood he
gave such indications of superior talent, and love of piety and
learning, as induced his father to educate him for the ministry.
During the course of his studies in the university of Glasgow,
James applied himself to the various branches of education which
were then taught, with an assiduity and success, which proved that
his father was no ways wrong in the profession he had chosen for
his son. In divine literature, to which the pious bent of his mind,
as well as his future views, directed him chiefly, his progress was
extremely rapid, and his acquirements solid and extensive. Of
controversial theology he was by no means ignorant: although his
mild and peaceful mind delighted itself especially in contemplating
the plain truths of the Bible, and how they might be impressed with
the happiest effects, on the souls of men. The New Testament he
read continually; and his heart was warmed with its love, and his
soul fashioned to its precepts. As his judgment was sound, so his
feelings were strong. The history of our Saviour's life, and
sufferings, and death, made a most extraordi...